Control Panel

Windows 8 includes an awesome File History feature, it can regularly and automatically back up your libraries, desktop, contacts and favourites to a second drive (even a Removable flash drive – just plug it in, then choose ‘Configure this drive for backup using File History’).

To set this up, go to Control Panel > System and Security > File History. Click Exclude Folders to help define what you’re saving, Advanced Settings to choose the backup frequency, Change Drive to choose the backup destination, and Turn On to enable the feature with your settings.

And once it’s been running for a while, you can check on the history for any file in Explorer by selecting it, choosing the Home tab and clicking History

This HP notebook has passed nine MIL-SPEC tests including those for dust, vibrations, shock, altitude, transit drop, Temperature shock, Low temperature, high temperatures and humidity. It does not skimp on full fledged business features in a small light package. We have been testing and working off of the 9470m. This 3 and a half pound pretty EliteBook has sure made us rethink Windows 8!

At 13.3 x 9.1 x 0.75 inches and 3.6 pounds, the Folio 9470m is heavier than other notebooks in it’s league but they can’t compete with the looks of this thin laptop. That is less than 3/4 an inch thick (or thin – depends on how you look at it.) This is also the thinnest EliteBook yet.

An absolute must in laptops is the 9470m’s spill-resistant keyboard, huge touch pad and bright display. The touch pad is a whopping 4.2 x 2.3-inches and is very responsive. It still has the little nipple for additional mouse control. Strangely this device stayed cool on our laps even after extended use.

HP has a docking solution that makes this EliteBook an even more appealing office solution. I love this light system that I can come home and throw on the dock – and now it is a full sized system with dual screens.

The battery life is also wonderful. We saw around 7 hours out of normal use with the brightness at 50% and using Wi-Fi or broadband.

There’s no touchscreen on this one, but you’ll be able to take advantage of all of the other awesomeness that Windows 8 Pro has to offer.

There is something for everyone including built-in VGA, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and three USB 3.0 ports.

You can add on options to the base model like a 720p webcam, a choice of third-gen Intel processors, up to 16GB of RAM, and either a 500GB hard drive or a 256GB SSD.